As I write this I am watching Meet the Press where there is a lively debate on-going about our missile attack on Syria. Politicians and reporters of every stripe are expressing their views on the subject. I think this is good. Those who want to speak out for, or against, the action should be heard. It helps the rest of us decide how we feel about it.
Personally I do not see the down side of the attack. In fact, I sent an email to the White House urging just such an attack. I think it was the right response. My only regret is that there have been no follow-up attacks, at least not yet. I feel like we should continue attacking until it is clear to all that the use of WMDs in Syria will stop.
To be sure, the attack was puny. Tactically, it is pretty much insignificant. However, it does make the point that the U.S.A. is willing to take military action when and where it is appropriate. Perhaps the much discredited Syrian regime will stop flaunting international law and moderate its inhumane military activities against its own people.
It also makes the point to Russia that we will not be intimated by Vladimir Putin’s aggression against sovereign countries near it. His support of Assad has more to do with his goals of increasing Russian influence in the region and testing the mettle of the U.S.A. Russia must be stopped from annexing any of its neighbors. An invasion of the Ukraine cannot be allowed. In fact it should be forced to return the Crimea to the Ukraine to whom it rightfully belongs.
I hope Trump’s action against Bashar al Assad does not fall on deaf ears in Iran. Their long-term goal is to possess nuclear weapons, which will enhance their regional influence. With this in mind, they have consistently opposed U.S. foreign policy that has frustrated them so far.
Finally North Korea, supported by China, has been a thorn in the side of the U.S. since the Korean Conflict of the late 1940s. In fact, I believe a state of war still exists between our two countries. North Korea also seeks a nuclear arsenal that will enable it to achieve its long term goal of reuniting the Korean peninsula under the rule of North Korea.
I suspect this is the main reason for the visit by China’s president last week. North Korea is a destabilizing force in the western Pacific. I hope it has been put on notice that the U.S. will attack if necessary. It is the responsibility of the U.S to ensure the security in that region of the world.
So, while the missile attack on the Syrian air base may be tactically small, it is certainly strategically important. Syria, with the support of Russia, has crossed numerous red lines. I hope this will be the end of the matter, but I suspect not. So far, no one else has been willing to intercede. Enough is enough. This Syrian civil war must be ended.
I unreservedly support Trump’s action. He is going to suffer slings and arrows from all sides, but he did what had to be done. A great nation, such as ours, has a duty to lead. I don’t want to see war break out, but I am sick and tired of seeing evil triumph because no-one will stand against it.
David Browning
Peachtree City, Ga.
